UPDATE: Renault has just informed us that the UK launch of the new Alaskan pickup has been delayed.
We were expecting the new pickup, which is based on the Nissan Navara, to arrive here before the end of 2017, following confirmation of plans for UK sales at the CV Show in April.
Indeed, we were supposed to be attending a driving event in September
But now Renault is saying ‘the UK launch of Alaskan is postponed,’ and as such we won’t be able to bring you a review. This will apparently remain the case for the foreseeable future, and will only change ‘once the UK launch date has been finalised.’
More information as soon as we have it.
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Renault confirms Alaskan pickup for sale in the UK at the CV Show 2017
Renault has finally officially confirmed that its Alaskan pickup truck will be sold in the UK.
Speaking at a press briefing on the eve of the CV Show 2017, the global chief marketing director for Renault pickups, Marina Picard, revealed that Europe and the UK would definitely be getting the Alaskan – a reworked version of the Nissan NP300 Navara that has so far only been available in South America.
‘We have no exact schedule yet,’ Picard said. ‘But I’ve been to the Barcelona factory [Nissan’s Navara plant in Spain] and seen our baby coming out of the oven, and I can tell you it’s cooking pretty well.’
Expect more news on the new pickup throughout the rest of the year. And if you’re at the CV Show, swing by the Renault stand where you’ll find an example of the Alaskan on display. It’s a good-looking machine.
Read about all the new pickups coming soon on Parkers Vans
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What else does Renault have on display at the CV Show 2017
Another key message from Renault at the NEC is the growing importance of electric vans. While certainly still a niche market at this stage, the French firm has both the upgraded Kangoo ZE and a preview of the forthcoming Master ZE on show for potential buyers to look at.
Read a UK review of the current Renault Kangoo ZE on Parkers Vans
With its new electric motor, battery pack and fast charging system, the Kangoo ZE now has the longest range of any production electric van – an official NEDC test rating of 168 miles and a more realistic ‘real world’ range of 124 miles.
That’s a 50% increase in distance per charge over the previous version, while new standard-fit heat pump technology should help it perform better in cold weather. You can find the full details of the 2017 Kangoo ZE in our original news story, and you’ll be able to buy one this summer.
Read more: full details of 2017 Renault Kangoo ZE electric van
Though the Master ZE is still a little way off reaching production – UK orders won’t open until January 2018 – Renault insists its plans to build it have been brought forward by customer demand.
Reacting to city council and last-mile urban delivery service desires for greater electric van capacity, the Master ZE is set to become only the second properly available large electric van when it does go on sale (the first being the Iveco Daily, though Volkswagen’s e-Crafter does begin trials in 2017).
It will offer 124 miles of NEDC range – so perhaps more like 70 miles in real world conditions – using a similar 33kWh battery pack and R60 motor system as the Kangoo. Again, there are more details in our original news story.
Read more: Rnault announces Master ZE large electric van
Anything more on display at the Renault stand?
Renault is certainly packing in the product this year, as the Birmingham show also represents the world premier of the new Trafic dropside.
In addition to this Renault is displaying an Extended Grip Kangoo – a traction-enhanced front-wheel drive small van designed for occasional mild off-road capability – and previewing the Master 4×4, which is still in development.
As if that wasn’t enough there’s also a Luton-bodied Master LoLoader – Renault’s fastest selling conversion in the UK – and the Formula Edition versions of the Kangoo, Trafic and Master.
These bold black and yellow designs are influenced by the Renault F1 team, and will go on sale here in limited numbers at the end of 2017. Underlining the motorsport connection, Renault’s brought along a 2017 Formula One car and a Formula E racer, bringing a welcome touch of glamour to the NEC show floor.
Renault Alaskan arrives in 2017
Alaskan pickup leads the way for Renault at IAA 2016
Find a deal on your next Renault van in the Parkers Vans for sale section
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